Shelving systems

ABSTRACT

A shelving system includes first and second side members. A cross member is coupled to the side members. A guide member is coupled to the cross member such that the guide member is movable relative to the cross member. A container including a rail is coupled to the guide member. The rail includes a first locking element and a second locking element that is connected to the first locking element. The container includes a handle having a third locking element that engages the first locking element. The locking elements are configured to move the container between a first orientation in which the container is provisionally fixed to the guide member and a second orientation in which the container can translate relative to the guide member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/420,793, filed May 23, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/152,924, filed Oct. 5, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,334,944, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/649,991, filed Jul. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,172,452, whichclaims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/362,375, filed Jul. 14,2016. These applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference,in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to shelves used to store itemssuch as, for example, parcels and/or packages, and more particularly toa shelving system for temporarily storing items, wherein trays, drawersor containers of the system can be opened by pushing a handle up ordown.

BACKGROUND

Delivery and/or service vehicles such as, for example, trucks, vans andcars may include an assembly having trays positioned on one or moreracks located in an interior of the delivery or service vehicle. Itemssuch as, for example, tools, parcels and/or packages are stored on thetrays temporarily while the vehicle is being driven to a selecteddestination, such as, for example, the home or office of a client or aloading dock or storefront of recipient. A driver of the vehicle orother personnel may remove the item or items from the tray once he orshe arrives at the selected destination by accessing the item or itemsthrough one or more doors of the vehicle, such as, for example, reardoors of a van or truck. Some vehicles include trays that slide relativeto the rack to facilitate accessing the item or items by the driver ofthe vehicle or other personnel. That is, once one or more doors of thevehicle are opened, the driver or other personnel may slide the traysrelative to the rack such that the item or items are convenientlylocated outside of the interior of the vehicle.

Spacing between adjacent trays is typically pre-determined according tothe configuration of the rack, which typically includes equally spacedslot or other means configured to engage a tray such that the trays areequally spaced up and down the rack. Spacing between adjacent trays maytherefore be inadequate to accommodate large items or, alternatively,may be greater than necessary when relatively small items are positionedon one of the trays. While some conventional rack and tray assembliesincluded in vehicles may increase the spacing between adjacent trays byremoving one or more trays to accommodate large items, such assemblieslack a means to reduce the spacing between adjacent trays or increasethe spacing between adjacent trays without removing one or more of thetrays. As a result, the spacing between adjacent trays is oftenpre-determined according to the design of the rack, rather than the sizeand shape of the item or items placed on the tray. That is, spacingbetween adjacent trays cannot be modified according to characteristicsof the items placed on the trays, but is instead determined by theconfiguration of the rack and tray.

Furthermore, in vehicles that include trays that slide relative to therack, the trays tend to slide at undesired times such as, for example,when the delivery vehicle makes a sharp turn and/or when the vehiclecomes to an abrupt stop, which causes the item or items positioned onthe tray to move relative to the tray and/or fall off the tray and ontothe floor of the vehicle, potentially damaging the item or items. Whilesome rack and tray assemblies used in vehicles include a lockingmechanism to prevent the trays for sliding relative to the rack, thelocking mechanisms used encompass only a small portion of the tray, thusmaking accessing the locking mechanism difficult and/or may require twohands to operate. For example, conventional locking mechanisms include ahandle having a thumb release on one side of the handle. In order tolock and/or unlock the tray from the rack, the driver of the vehicle orother personnel is required to apply the thumb release, typically bypressing the thumb release down. Due to the small size and remotelocation of the thumb release, accessing and/or pressing the thumbrelease is often difficult, especially when the driver or otherpersonnel is carrying other items.

Still further, trays of conventional rack and tray assemblies used invehicles often include handles that can only be opened by pushing orpulling a handle in one direction. This makes it difficult to open atray when holding other items. For example, it may be difficult to opena tray by lifting or pulling a handle upwardly if the driver or otherpersonnel is carrying other items. This disclosure describesimprovements over these prior art technologies.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a shelving system is provided. The shelving systemincludes first and second side members. A cross member is coupled to theside members. A guide member is coupled to the cross member such thatthe guide member is movable relative to the cross member. A containerincluding a rail is coupled to the guide member. The rail includes afirst locking element and a second locking element that is connected tothe first locking element. The container includes a handle having athird locking element that engages the first locking element. Thelocking elements are configured to move the container between a firstorientation in which the container is provisionally fixed to the guidemember and a second orientation in which the container can translaterelative to the guide member.

In one embodiment, the shelving system comprises first and second sidemembers. A cross member is coupled to the side members. A guide memberis coupled to the cross member such that the guide member is movablerelative to the cross member. A container including a rail is coupled tothe guide member. The rail includes a first locking element and a secondlocking element that engages the first locking element. The containerincludes a handle comprising a first portion, a second portion and athird locking element that engages the first locking element. Moving thesecond portion relative to the first portion in an upward direction or adownward direction moves the locking elements between a firstorientation in which the container is provisionally fixed to the guidemember and a second orientation in which the container can translaterelative to the guide member.

In one embodiment, the shelving system comprises first and second sidemembers that each include a channel. A first slide is slidably disposedin the channel of the first member. A second slide is slidably disposedin the channel of the second member. A cross member extends between andconnects the slides. A guide member is movably disposed in a channel ofthe cross member. A rail of a container is disposed in a channel of theguide member. The rail includes a first locking element and a secondlocking element that engages the first locking element. The containerincludes a handle comprising a first portion, a second portion and athird locking element that engages the first locking element. Moving thesecond portion relative to the first portion in an upward direction or adownward direction moves the locking elements between a firstorientation in which the container is provisionally fixed to the guidemember and a second orientation in which the container can translaterelative to the guide member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from thespecific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shelving system inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shelving system shown in FIG. 1mounted in a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a component of the system shown in FIG.1, with some parts removed;

FIG. 4 is a close up, front view of a portion of the component shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a close up, perspective view of a portion of the componentshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side view, in part phantom, of a portion of the system shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view, in part phantom, of a portion of the system shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view, in part phantom, of a portion of the system shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side, cross sectional view of a portion of the system shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a component of the system shown in FIG.1, with some parts removed;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of components of the system shown in FIG.1, with components of the system in a first position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of components of the system shown in FIG.1, with components of the system in a second position;

FIG. 13 is a breakaway, perspective view of components of the systemshown in FIG. 1 at detail F;

FIG. 14 is a side view, in partial cross section, of components of thesystem shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a breakaway top, cross sectional view of components of thesystem shown in FIG. 1 along lines G-G at Detail H;

FIG. 16 is a top, cross sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 1positioned in a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a second shelvingsystem in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, andwherein the system shown in FIG. 1 and the second system have drawers ina closed position; and

FIG. 17 is a top, cross sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 1 andthe second system shown in FIG. 16 positioned in a vehicle, wherein thesystem shown in FIG. 1 and the second system shown in FIG. 16 havedrawers in an open position.

Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of a shelving system and related methods ofuse are discussed in terms of devices for the storage of items duringtransport. The present disclosure may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of the disclosure takenin connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a partof this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is notlimited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parametersdescribed and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure. Also,as used in the specification and including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It isalso understood that all spatial references, such as, for example,horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are forillustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of thedisclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relativeand used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily“superior” and “inferior”.

The following discussion includes a description of a shelving system,related components and methods of employing the shelving system inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Alternateembodiments are also disclosed. Reference will now be made in detail tothe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which areillustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to FIGS. 1-17, thereare illustrated components of a shelving system 20.

In some embodiments, system 20 is configured for mounting in a vehicle,such as, for example, a delivery or service vehicle, such as, forexample, a van or truck. In some embodiments, system 20 is mounted inthe vehicle such that system 20 is accessible through rear doors of thevehicle, but is not readily accessible through side doors, or any otherdoors of the vehicle. In such embodiments, system 20 is positioned suchthat system 20 may move from a closed position to an open position whenthe rear doors of the vehicle open, but is prevented from moving fromthe closed position to the open position when the rear doors are closed,as will be described. In some embodiments, system 20 is mounted in thevehicle such that system 20 is accessible through one or more side doorof the vehicle, but is not readily accessible through rear doors, or anyother doors of the vehicle. In such embodiments, system 20 is positionedsuch that system 20 may move from the closed position to the openposition when the side door of the vehicle is open, but is preventedfrom moving from the closed position to the open position when the sidedoor is closed, as will be described. In some embodiments, system 20includes a plurality of shelving units, wherein one unit is mounted inthe vehicle such that it is accessible through one or more side doors ona first side of the vehicle and another unit is mounted in the vehiclesuch that it is accessible through one or more side doors on an oppositesecond side of the vehicle. In some embodiments, system 20 includes thevehicle.

The components of shelving system 20 can be fabricated from materialsincluding metals, polymers and/or composites, depending on theparticular application. For example, the components of system 20,individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such asaluminum, steel, iron, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys,cobalt-chrome, stainless steel alloys, semi-rigid and rigid materials,plastics, elastomers, rubbers and/or rigid polymers. Various componentsof system 20 may have material composites, including the abovematerials, to achieve various desired characteristics such as strength,rigidity, elasticity, performance and durability. The components ofsystem 20, individually or collectively, may also be fabricated from aheterogeneous material such as a combination of two or more of theabove-described materials. The components of system 20 can be extruded,molded, injection molded, cast, pressed and/or machined. The componentsof system 20 may be monolithically formed, integrally connected orinclude fastening elements and/or instruments, as described herein.

System 20 includes a first pair of side members 22 opposite a secondpair of side members 22. Side members 22 each extend along alongitudinal axis L between a first end 24 and a second end 26. Sidemembers 22 have a length defined by the distance between ends 24, 26.Side members 22 have a uniform width or diameter along the entire lengthof each side member 22. Side members 22 each include an inner surface 28defining a first channel 30, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 15, for example.First channels 30 each extend the entire length of each side member 22.Inner surfaces 28 of the first pair of side members 22 face innersurfaces of the second pair of side members 22. In some embodiments,side members 22 and/or first channel 30 may have various cross sectionconfigurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular,rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform,variable, tubular and/or tapered, depending upon the requirements of aparticular application. In some embodiments, each first channel 30 iscapped on either ends thereof such that each first channel 30 has alength that is less than the length of a respective side member 22 toprevent a component, such as, for example, a slide 42 (FIG. 13) disposedin first channel 30 from moving out of first channel 30, a discussedherein.

Side members 22 each include a planar first wall 32 extending betweenparallel planar side walls 34, as shown in FIG. 15, for example. Firstwalls 32 of the first pair of side members 22 are aligned with oneanother and first walls 32 of the second pair of side members 22 arealigned with one another. Side walls 34 each include an inwardly facingend wall 36 that extends perpendicular to side walls 34. End walls 36are parallel to first wall 32 and each include an extension 38 extendingtoward first wall 32. Extensions 38 each include a planar end surface 40extending parallel to first wall 32 configured to engage a portion ofslide 42, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, all or only aportion of first wall 32, side walls 34, extensions 38 and/or endsurfaces 40 may be variously configured and dimensioned, such as, forexample, planar, concave, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform,staggered, tapered, consistent or variable, depending on therequirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, firstwall 32, side walls 34, extensions 38 and/or end surfaces 40 may bedisposed at alternate orientations, relative to one another and/orlongitudinal axis L, such as, for example, parallel, transverse,perpendicular and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse,co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered, depending upon therequirements of a particular application.

At least one slide 42 (FIG. 13) is movably disposed in each firstchannel 30, as shown in FIG. 15, for example. Slides 42 are configuredto adjust the position of a tray or a container, such as, for example acontainer 88 along the length of side members 22. For example, fourslides 42 are coupled to a given container 88 such that container 88 canbe moved up and down along side members 22. In embodiments whereinsystem includes multiple containers 88, coupling slides 42 to containers88 allows containers 88 to be selectively spaced apart from one another.For example, when items are placed upon or in containers 88, the itemsmay have different sizes thus requiring that containers 88 be spacedapart from one another to allow sufficient space between containers 88for the items upon or in containers 88. As such, when larger items areplaced upon or in a given container 88, that container 88 may need to bemoved up or down along side members 88 to allow more space between thatcontainer 88 and one or more adjacent container 88. Accordingly, slides42 may be used to move that container 88 along side members 88 toaccommodate more space between that container 88 and the adjacentcontainer(s) 88, as discussed herein.

It is envisioned that system 20 may include one or a plurality of slides42 disposed in each first channel 30. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1and 2, each first channel 30 includes three slides 42 movably disposedtherein. It is envisioned that each of side members 22 includes the samenumber of slides 42 positioned therein. That is, each side member 22that makes up the first pair of side members 22 includes the same numberof slides as each side member 22 that makes up the second pair of sidemembers 22. As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art,the number of slides 42 in system 20 will depend upon the number ofcontainers 88 used in system 20. Four slides 42 are used for eachcontainer 88. As such, when system 20 includes only one container 88,four slides 42 will be used; when system 20 includes two containers 88,eight slides 42 will be used; when system includes three containers 88,twelve slides 42 will be used; when system 20 includes four containers88, sixteen slides 42 will be used, etc.

Slides 42 each include an elongated body extending along longitudinalaxis L between a first end 44 and a second end 46, as best shown in FIG.13. The body of slide 42 includes a first arm 48 extending perpendicularto longitudinal axis L from a first side surface 50 of the body and asecond arm 52 extending perpendicular to longitudinal axis L from anopposite second side surface 54 of the body, as best shown in FIG. 15.First arm 48 includes a first wing 56 extending perpendicular to thefirst arm 48 and defining a first cavity 58. Second arm 52 includes asecond wing 60 extending perpendicular to second arm 52 and defining asecond cavity 62. First cavity 38 is spaced apart from second cavity 62by the body of slide 42. One extension 38 of a respective side member 22is disposed in first cavity 58 and one extension 38 of the respectiveside member 22 is disposed in second cavity 62 such that slide 42 ismovable relative to side member 22 within first channel 30. One endsurface 40 is configured to engage first arm 48 and one end surface 40is configured to engage second arm 52. Slide 42 has a maximum width thatis less than a maximum width of first channel 30 such that outersurfaces of first wing 56 and second wing 60 are spaced apart from innersurface 28 when slide 42 is disposed in first channel 30 to allow slide42 to translate within first channel 30 with minimal resistance. In someembodiments, first arm 48, first side surface 50, second arm 52, secondside surface 54, first wing 56, first cavity, second wing 60 and/orsecond cavity 62 may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative toone another and/or longitudinal axis L, such as, for example, parallel,transverse, perpendicular and/or other angular orientations such asacute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered, dependingupon the requirements of a particular application.

Slides 42 each include a projection 64 extending perpendicular to axis Lconfigured to engage a bottom surface 66 of a cross member 68, as bestshown in FIG. 13, to prevent cross member 68 from translating axiallyrelative to slide 42 in the direction shown by arrow J, while allowingcross member 68 to translate axially relative to slide 42 in thedirection shown by arrow JJ until cross member 68 is fixed to slide 42,as discussed herein. One cross member 68 extends between and connectseach of the slides 42 positioned in first channels 30 of the first pairof side members 22 and one cross member 68 extends between and connectseach of the slides 42 positioned in first channels 30 of the second pairof side members 22. In some embodiments, a plurality of cross members 68extend between and connect slides 42 positioned in first channels 30 ofthe first pair of side members and an equal number of cross members 68extend between and connect slides 42 positioned in first channels 30 ofthe second pair of side members such that the cross members 68connecting the first pair of side members 22 are parallel aligned withthe cross members 68 connecting the second pair of side members 22.

As with slides 42, the number of cross members 68 included in system 20will depend upon the number of containers 88 used in system 20. Onecross member 68 is coupled to two slides 42. As such, two cross members68 are used for each container 88. As such, when system 20 includes onlyone container 88, two cross members 68 will be used; when system 20includes two containers 88, four cross members 68 will be used; whensystem includes three containers 88, six cross members 68 will be used;when system 20 includes four containers 88, eight cross members 68 willbe used, etc.

Cross members 68 each include an inner surface 70 defining a secondchannel 72, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Channels 72 are eachconfigured for movable disposal of a guide member 74, as discussedherein. Cross members 68 each include spaced apart threaded openings 78,each of the openings 78 being aligned with a threaded aperture 80 in oneof the slides 42, as shown in FIG. 14, for example. A threaded fastener82 extends through a respective opening 78 and a respective aperture 80to fix cross member 68 with slides 42. Fasteners 82 are moveable betweena first position in which an outer surface of cross member 68 is spacedapart from outer surfaces of side members 22 and slides 42 can translateaxially within first channels 30 and a second position in which theouter surface of cross member 68 engages the outer surfaces of sidemembers 22 and slides 42 are fixed relative to side members 22. Whenfasteners 82 are in the second position, end walls 36 engage the outersurface of cross member 68 and end surfaces 40 engage arms 48, 52, asbest shown in FIG. 15. When fasteners 82 are in the second position, thebody of slide 42 is spaced apart from cross member 68. That is, the onlyportion of each slide 42 that contacts a respective side member 22and/or cross member 68 is first arm 48 and second arm 52. Thisconfiguration allows fasteners 82 to move between the first and secondpositions by unthreading or threading a respective fastener 82 through arespective opening 78 and a respective aperture 80 only slightly. Thatis, fastener 82 need only be rotated relative to slide 42 and/or crossmember 68 one or a few turns to move fastener 82 from between the firstand second positions. When fasteners 82 are in the first position,slides 42 can translate within first channels 30 to adjust the positionof slides 42 relative to side members 22. That is, slides 42 can bemoved up or down along the length of side members 22 when fasteners 82are in the first position to adjust the positioning of cross members 68and containers 88, as discussed herein. Fasteners 82 are then moved fromthe first position to the second position to fix the position of slides42 relative to side members 22. Fixing the position of slides 42relative to side members 22 prevents cross members 68 attached to thefixed slides 42 from moving up and down along the length of side members22 and thus prevents containers 88 that are coupled to the fixed slides42 by cross members 68 from moving up and down along the length of sidemembers 22.

In some embodiments, side members 22 each include indicia on an outersurface thereof, such as, for example, calibrated lines to measuredistances. Such indicia may be used to ensure that four slides 42, eachdisposed in a first channel 30 of one of the side members 22 that makeup the first and second pairs of side members 22 may each be aligned todefine a first level. It is envisioned that the indicia may also be usedto align other levels of slides 42 before or after aligning the firstlevel. This ensures that cross members 68 coupled to the first andsecond pairs of side members 22 will be parallel to one another andhence that container 88 will be perpendicular to axis L.

Each guide member 74 is movably disposed in a second channel 72 of oneof cross members 68 and includes an inner surface 84 defining a thirdchannel 86, as shown in FIGS. 2, 11 and 12, for example. Containers 88each include a first wall 90 and a second wall 92 extending parallel tofirst wall 90, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. Container 88 includes apair of spaced apart side walls 94 extending between first and secondwalls 90, 92. Outer surfaces of each side wall 94 include a rail 96. Onerail 96 is shown in FIG. 10, for clarity. One rail 96 of one container88 is movably disposed in a third channel 86 of a guide member 74extending between the first pair of side members 22 and one rail 96 ofthe container 88 is movably disposed in a third channel 86 of an alignedguide member 74 extending between the second pair of side members 22.Container 88 includes a recessed tray 98 positioned between first andsecond walls 90, 92 and between the side walls 94. Tray 98 is maintainedin a substantially horizontal orientation when container 88 translateswithin third channel 86 and guide member 74 translates within secondchannel 72. In some embodiments, tray 98 extends perpendicular to axis Lwhen container 88 translates within third channel 86 and guide member 74translates within second channel 72.

A first upper member 100 extends between and connects first ends 24 ofthe first pair of first members 22 and a second upper member 100 extendsbetween and connects first ends 24 of the second pair of first members22. Each upper member 100 includes a bracket 102 having a first surface104 extending perpendicular to axis L and a second surface 106 disposedat an acute angle relative to first surface 104. In some embodiments,first surface 104 is connected to second surface 106 such that firstsurface 104 pivots relative to second surface 106 such that secondsurface 106 can be selectively positioned relative to first surface 104.That is, the angle between second surface 106 and first surface 104 canbe adjusted to position second surface 106 such that second surface canbe coupled to a wall of a vehicle, such as, for example, a side wall orceiling of the vehicle.

In embodiments in which system 20 is configured for mounting in avehicle such that system 20 is accessible through rear doors of thevehicle, second surface 106 includes one or more openings configured fordisposal of a fastener such that the fastener extends through theopening in second surface 106 and into a side wall of the vehicle to fixsystem 20 relative to the vehicle. It is envisioned that the one or moreopenings extending through second surface 106 may include threads tofacilitate engagement with a fastener. In some embodiments, upper member100 may be configured to engage the ceiling of a vehicle using bracket102 described above. In some embodiments, upper member 100 is configuredto engage the ceiling of a vehicle and does not include a bracket.Rather, upper member 100 is a single plate that includes one or moreopenings extending parallel to axis L configured for disposal of afastener such that the fastener extends through the opening in uppermember 100 and into the ceiling of the vehicle to fix system 20 relativeto the vehicle. In some embodiments, upper member 100 includes surfaceconfigurations to enhance fixation with the interior of the vehicle,such as, for example, rough, arcuate, undulating, porous, semi-porous,dimpled, polished and/or textured according to the requirements of aparticular application.

A first lower member 108 extends between and connects second ends 26 ofthe first pair of first members 22 and a second lower member 108 extendsbetween and connects ends 26 of the second pair of first members 22.Lower members 108 each include a first surface including an apertureextending parallel to axis L configured for disposal of a fastener suchthat the fastener extends through the aperture and into the floor of thevehicle to fix system 20 relative to the vehicle. In some embodiments,the aperture is threaded. It is envisioned that lower members 108 mayeach include one or a plurality of apertures. In some embodiments, theapertures are uniformly spaced apart from one another.

Rails 96 each include a first locking element 110 positioned adjacentfirst wall 90 and a second locking element 112 positioned adjacentsecond wall 92, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. Second locking element112 is connected to first locking element 110 by a cable 114. An innersurface 84 of each guide member 74 includes at least one flange 116, asshown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Flange 116 is configured to engage secondlocking element 112 to fix container 88 relative to cross member 68and/or guide member 74. That is, when second locking element 112 engagesflange 116, rail 96 is prevented from moving within third channel 86 ofguide member 74 to fix container 88 relative to guide member 75. Whensecond locking element 112 disengages flange 116, rail 96 is able totranslate within third channel 86 of guide member 74 to move container88 relative to guide member 74 along a length of guide member 74. Insome embodiments, system 20 includes a first flange 116 adjacent firstwall 90 and a second flange 116 spaced apart from the first flange 116adjacent second wall 92. In some embodiments, flange 116 extends at anacute angle relative to an axis defined by guide member 74.

In some embodiments, first locking element 110 includes a first knob 118and second locking element 112 includes a second knob 120. Cable 114engages first knob 118 and second knob 120 to connect first lockingelement 110 with second locking element 112. In some embodiments, cable114 comprises a rigid material such that the distance between first knob118 and second knob 120 is fixed. In some embodiments, a first end ofcable 114 defines a hook that engages first knob 118 and a second end ofcable 114 defines a hook that engages second knob 120, the hooks beingoriented in opposite directions. That is, the hook that engages firstknob 118 has an opening oriented in a direction that is opposite thedirection in which the opening of the hook that engages second knob 120is oriented. In some embodiments, cable 114 applies tension betweenfirst knob 118 and second knob 120.

A first end 122 of first locking element 110 is pivotable relative to asecond end 124 of first locking element 110 about a pivot point 126positioned between first knob 118 and first wall 90. First end 122includes a hole 125 that extends through a thickness of first lockingelement 110. In some embodiments, pivot point 126 is closer to knob 118than hole 125, as shown in FIG. 10. However, it is envisioned that pivotpoint 126 may be closer to hole 125 than knob 118 or that pivot point126 can be equidistant between knob 118 and hole 125. A first end 128 ofsecond locking element 112 pivots relative to a second end 130 of secondlocking element 112 about a pivot point 132 positioned between secondknob 120 and first locking element 110.

First wall 90 includes a handle 134 including a third locking element136 that engages first end 122 of first locking element 110. First wall90 has a length extending between side walls 94, 94. Handle 134 extendsbetween side walls 94, 94 such that handle 134 has a length that isequal to the length of first wall 90. Handle 134 is movable between afirst position in which first end 128 of second locking element 112engages flange 116 of guide member 74 and container 88 is fixed relativeto guide member 74, as shown in FIG. 11, and a second position in whichfirst end 128 of second locking element 112 is spaced apart from flange116 and container 88 can translate relative to guide member 74, as shownin FIG. 12. That is, first end 128 of second locking element 112 ispivoted about pivot point 132 to move first end 128 of second lockingelement 112 in an upward direction, such as, for example, direction Kshown in FIG. 11 to disengage first end 128 of second locking element112 from flange 116 to allow rail 96 to move within third channel 86 ofguide member 74.

Handle 134 includes a first portion 138 and a second portion 140 thatmovably engages first portion 138, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 9, forexample. In some embodiments, first and second portions 138, 140 arepositioned between end caps 134 a of handle 134. End caps 134 a andfirst portion 138 are fixed relative to wall 90. Second portion 140includes third locking element 136. Third locking element 136 includes acam 145 and a sliding block 155 that is movable relative to cam 145, asshown in FIGS. 6-8. In some embodiments, sliding block 155 includes oneor a plurality of grooves that mate align with ribs on one of end caps134 a to guide sliding block 155 as it moves within handle 134. In someembodiments, sliding block 155 includes two grooves that each have oneof the ribs of one of end caps 134 a positioned therein.

Second portion 140 is fixed to cam 145 such that moving second portion140 also moves cam 145. That is, moving second portion 140 relative tofirst portion 138 downwardly or in a downward direction, such as, forexample, direction K in FIGS. 11 and 12 rotates cam 145 about an axisdefined by handle 134 in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 7 andmoving second portion 140 relative to first portion 138 upwardly or inan upward direction, such as, for example, the direction KK shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 rotates cam 145 about the axis defined by handle 134 ina counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments,second portion 140 is integrally formed with cam 145 such that secondportion and cam 145 are monolithic. In some embodiments, second portion140 includes a clip, such as, for example, a C-clip that snaps onto orotherwise engages a shaft of cam 145, as shown in FIG. 9, to fix secondportion 140 relative to cam 145 such that second portion 140 is fixedrelative to cam 145. In some embodiments, the shaft of cam 145 and/orthe C-clip of second portion 140 have a non-circular cross sectionalconfiguration to prevent rotation of second portion 140 relative to cam145, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, cam 145 is positioned within sliding block 155 suchthat a bottom surface 145 a of cam 145 engages a ramped surface 155 a ofsliding block 155. Sliding block 155 engages first locking element 110.In some embodiments, opening 125 of first locking element is alignedwith a slot, such as, for example, an opening 155 b of sliding block 155and a pin, such as, for example, pin 165 is positioned through openings125, 155 b to couple first locking element 110 to sliding block 155 suchthat moving sliding block 155 also moves first locking element 100, asdiscussed herein. That is moving sliding block 155 in direction K ordirection KK, will cause first end 122 of first locking element 110 tomove in direction K or direction KK, respectively.

Sliding block 155 is biased by a spring, such as, for example, a coiledcompression spring 175 to engage cam 145 in a first position, as shownin FIG. 6. When locking elements 110, 112, 136 are in a firstconfiguration, sliding block 155 engages cam 145 in the first position,second portion 140 extends parallel to wall 90, as shown in FIGS. 4 and5, and flange 116 of guide member 74 is positioned within a cavity 112 aof second locking element 112 to prevent movement of rail 96 withinthird channel 86 of guide member 74 such that container 88 isprovisionally fixed to guide member 74. When container 88 isprovisionally fixed to guide member 74 container 88 is in a firstorientation. Spring 175 biases locking elements 110, 112, 136 into thefirst configuration. That is, unless second portion 140 is movedrelative to first portion to move third locking element 136 to apply aforce to spring 175 to overcome the bias of spring 175, locking elements110, 112, 136 will remain in the first configuration and container 88will be provisionally fixed relative to guide member 74. In someembodiments, spring 175 is coupled to a post 185 within handle 134.Spring 175 is positioned about post 185 to prevent spring 175 frommoving off of post 185.

Locking elements 110, 112, 136 are moved from the first configuration toa second configuration by moving second portion 140 relative to firstportion 138 in direction K, as shown in FIG. 7, or in direction KK, asshown in FIG. 8. Moving second portion 140 relative to first portion 138in direction K rotates cam 145 about the axis defined by handle 134 in aclockwise direction such that bottom surface 145 a of cam 145 slidesalong ramped surface 155 a of sliding block 155, which moves slidingblock 155 in direction K, as shown in FIG. 7. Likewise, moving secondportion 140 relative to first portion 138 in direction KK rotates cam145 about the axis defined by handle 134 in a counterclockwise directionsuch that bottom surface 145 a of cam 145 slides along ramped surface155 a of sliding block 155, which moves sliding block 155 in directionK, as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, moving second portion 140relative to first portion 138 in direction K and/or direction KKcomprises rotating second portion 140 relative to first portion 138about the axis defined by handle 134.

As discussed above, moving second portion 140 relative to first portion138 in direction K or direction KK causes cam 145 to rotate relative tosliding block 155 in a manner that moves sliding block 155 in directionK to apply a force to spring 175 to overcome the bias of spring 175.Moving sliding block 155 in direction K causes end 122 of first lockingelement 110 in direction K such that first locking element 110 pivotsabout pivot point 126 to move end 124 of first locking element 110upwardly in direction KK. As end 124 of first locking element 110 movesin direction KK, end 130 of second locking element 122 moves indirection K, thus causing second locking element 122 to pivot aboutpivot point 132, which moves end 128 of second locking element 112 indirection K. Moving end 128 of second locking element 112 in direction Kcauses end 128 to disengage flange 116 such that flange 116 moves out ofcavity 112 a in end 128. After end 128 disengages flange 116, container88 is able to translate relative to guide member 74. That is, rail 96can move within third channel 86 along the length of guide member 74.When container 88 is able to translate relative to guide member 74,container 88 is in a second orientation.

Allowing a user to move container 88 from the first orientation to thesecond orientation by moving second portion 140 relative to firstportion 138 in direction K or direction KK provides the user withoptions to move container 88 from the first orientation to the secondorientation. For example, the user can move container 88 from the firstorientation to the second orientation by using his or hand to liftsecond portion 140. Alternatively, the user can push second portion 140down using his or her hand and/or an item he or she is holding, such as,for example, a package or other item. This may be especially useful whenthe user does not have a free hand to move container 88 from the firstorientation to the second orientation.

In some embodiments, system 20 includes a vehicle 200, such as, forexample, a van, truck or car having at least one first side door 202 andat least one second side door 204 opposite first side door 202. It isenvisioned that the at least one first side door 202 may include a pairof first side doors 202 that open independently of one another. It isenvisioned that vehicle 200 may lack a post or other support meansbetween the pair of first side doors 202 such that an interior ofvehicle 200 has an open configuration adjacent the pair of first sidedoors 202. It is envisioned that the at least one second side door 204may include a pair of second side doors 204 that open independently ofone another. It is envisioned that vehicle 200 may lack a post or othersupport means between the pair of second side doors 204 such that theinterior of vehicle 200 has an open configuration adjacent the pair ofsecond side doors 204. Vehicle 200 includes a partition 206 positionedbetween the pair of first side doors 202 and the pair of side doors 204.Partition 206 is fixed relative to vehicle 200 and extends substantiallyparallel to side doors 202, 204 when side doors 202, 204 are in a closedposition. That is, partition 206 extends parallel to an axis defined byvehicle 200. It is envisioned that partition 206 may extend from a floorof vehicle 200 to a ceiling of vehicle 200. In some embodiments,partition 206 is removable. In some embodiments, partition 206integrally formed with the floor and/or ceiling of the vehicle.

First and second side members 22, 22 are positioned in the interior ofvehicle 200 such that first and second side members 22, 22 extendperpendicular to partition 206. One of first and second side members 22,22 engages a first surface 208 of partition 206. Slides 42, crossmembers 68, guide members 74, containers 88, upper members 100 and lowermembers 108 are positioned relative to side members 22 and/or oneanother in the manner discussed herein to define a first shelving unit250, as best shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

In some embodiments, system 20 includes a second shelving unit 350comprising third and fourth side members 322 each having a configurationsimilar to side members 22, 22. Third and fourth side members 322, 322include an inner surface defining a fourth channel. Third and fourthside members 322, 322 are being positioned in the interior of vehicle200 such that third and fourth side members 322, 322 extendperpendicular to partition 206. One of third and fourth side members322, 322 engage a second surface 210 of partition 206 that is oppositefirst surface 208. A second slide 42 is movably disposed in each fourthchannel of third and fourth side members 322, 322. The fourth channelseach have a configuration similar to first channels 30. A second crossmember 68 extends between and connects the second slides 42. A secondguide member 74 is movably disposed in second channel 72 of second crossmember 68. A rail 96 of a second container 88 is movably disposed inthird channel 86 of second cross member 68.

Container 88 of first shelving unit 250 and second container 88 ofsecond shelving unit 350 open in opposing directions, as best shown inFIG. 17. That is, container 88 opens by moving container 88 relative tovehicle 200 in the direction shown by arrow M and closes by movingcontainer 88 relative to vehicle 200 in the direction shown by arrow N.Conversely, container 388 opens by moving container 388 relative tovehicle 200 in the direction shown by arrow N and closes by movingcontainer 388 relative to vehicle 200 in the direction shown by arrow M.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of thevarious embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shelving system comprising: a frame; and ashelf coupled to the frame, the shelf comprising a first lockingelement, the shelf comprising a handle including a first portion and asecond portion, the second portion including a second locking element,wherein the second locking element comprises a first part and a secondpart, the first part being configured to rotate when the second portionmoves downwardly relative to the first portion to drive the second partsuch that the second part pivots the first locking element to move athird locking element from a first orientation in which the shelf isprevented from sliding relative to a portion of the frame and a secondorientation in which the shelf is slidable relative to the portion ofthe frame.
 2. The shelving system recited in claim 1, wherein the firstpart is a cam that rotates about an axis defined by the handle when thesecond portion moves upwardly relative to the first portion.
 3. Theshelving system recited in claim 1, wherein the second part is a slidingblock.
 4. The shelving system recited in claim 1, wherein the portion ofthe frame is a guide member.
 5. The shelving system recited in claim 1,wherein the third locking element is biased to the second orientation bya spring that engages the second locking element.
 6. The shelving systemrecited in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a side member and aguide member that is coupled to the side member, the portion of theframe being the guide member, the guide member extending perpendicularto the side member, the guide member being movable relative to the sidemember.
 7. The shelving system recited in claim 1, wherein: the framecomprises a side member and a guide member that is coupled to the sidemember, the portion of the frame being the guide member, the guidemember extending perpendicular to the side member, the guide memberbeing movable relative to the side member; and the third locking elementengages the guide member when the third locking element is in the firstorientation and is spaced apart from the guide member when the thirdlocking element is in the second orientation.
 8. The shelving systemrecited in claim 7, wherein the third locking element is biased to thesecond orientation by a spring that engages the second locking element.9. A shelving system comprising: a frame; and a shelf coupled to theframe, the shelf comprising a first locking element, the shelfcomprising a handle including a first portion and a second portion, thesecond portion including a second locking element, wherein the secondlocking element comprises a first part and a second part, the first partbeing configured to rotate when the second portion moves downwardlyrelative to the first portion to drive the second part such that thesecond part pivots the first locking element to move a third lockingelement from a first orientation in which the shelf is fixed relative toa portion of the frame to a second orientation in which the shelf ismovable relative to the portion of the frame.
 10. The shelving systemrecited in claim 9, wherein the third locking element is biased to thesecond orientation by a spring that engages the second locking element.11. The shelving system recited in claim 9, wherein the frame comprisesa side member and a guide member that is coupled to the side member, theportion of the frame being the guide member, the guide member extendingperpendicular to the side member, the guide member being movablerelative to the side member.
 12. The shelving system recited in claim 9,wherein: the frame comprises a side member and a guide member that iscoupled to the side member, the portion of the frame being the guidemember, the guide member extending perpendicular to the side member, theguide member being movable relative to the side member; and the thirdlocking element engages the guide member when the shelf is in the firstorientation and is spaced apart from the guide member when the shelf isin the second orientation.
 13. The shelving system recited in claim 12,wherein the third locking element is biased to the second orientation bya spring that engages the second locking element.
 14. A shelving systemcomprising: a frame; and a shelf coupled to the frame, the shelfcomprising a first locking element, the shelf comprising a handleincluding a first portion and a second portion, the second portionincluding a second locking element, wherein the second locking elementcomprises a first part and a second part, the first part beingconfigured to rotate when the second portion moves downwardly relativeto the first portion to drive the second part such that the second partpivots the first locking element to move a third locking element from afirst orientation in which the shelf is fixed relative to a portion ofthe frame to a second orientation in which the shelf is movable relativeto the portion of the frame.
 15. The shelving system recited in claim14, wherein the first part is a cam that rotates about an axis definedby the handle when the second portion moves upwardly or downwardlyrelative to the first portion.
 16. The shelving system recited in claim14, wherein the second part is a sliding block.
 17. The shelving systemrecited in claim 14, wherein the portion of the frame is a guide member.18. The shelving system recited in claim 14, wherein the third lockingelement is biased to the second orientation by a spring that engages thesecond locking element.
 19. The shelving system recited in claim 14,wherein: the frame comprises a side member and a guide member that iscoupled to the side member, the portion of the frame being the guidemember, the guide member extending perpendicular to the side member, theguide member being movable relative to the side member; and the thirdlocking element engages the guide member when the third locking elementis in the first orientation and is spaced apart from the guide memberwhen the third locking element is in the second orientation.
 20. Theshelving system recited in claim 19, wherein the third locking elementis biased to the second orientation by a spring that engages the secondlocking element.